Walking & Hiking

Hiking

Amistad National Recreation Area offers hikers a variety of trails to explore, even though the recreation area was created primarily for water-based recreation.

Two short nature trails, at the Pecos River Picnic Area, and just east of the Diablo East Ranger Station, have interpretive signs identifying common plants.

The new Sunrise Trail is 2.1 miles long and connects the park Visitor Center and San Pedro Campground. Click here for a map, and here for a brochure with plant information.

Other informal hiking options exist. Visitors can walk the shoreline, and the park's Hunt Areas are open to the public year-round. Hikers will only encounter hunters during hunting seasons (see Hunting for maps and more information).

 Be sure to have a copy of Amistad NRA's Official Map and Guide, which shows the park's boundaries, since hiking on adjacent private land is not permitted.
 
 

Hiking Safety Tips

• Always carry enough water (1 gallon per person per day).
• Hike during cooler hours of the day.
• Always use sunscreen and wear protective clothing.
• The landscape is full of plants with thorns; wear heavy-soled hiking boots.
• Watch out for venomous snakes. If you encounter a snake do not make any sudden movements. Stop, then slowly back away from it. Do not kill the snake. Snakes are protected by federal law, and play a very important part in the desert ecosystem.
• If you plan to hike alone, always let somebody know where you are going and when you will return.
• Take only pictures, leave only footprints. All things inside National Park Service boundaries, living and non-living, are protected by federal law. The removal of plants, animals, artifacts, rocks, etc. is prohibited.